The GALAPAGOS ISLANDS; I didn't know much about them except blue footed boobies and huge turtles lived there and just what I saw from the movie 'MASTER & COMMANDER'. The wildlife alone made me want to visit here. From reading brochures & researching it on the Internet, we had no idea what to expect. When we booked this with GENERAL TOURS, it said you walked on lava rocks & always had to be with a guide on the islands. There was a checklist of many things to bring including enough shirts to change a couple times a day, walking shoes and rubber-soled shoes or thongs. We were excited but at the same time nervous. There were 3 of us going; my friend Bernie, (who went to Nashville with me) her friend Brenda & me.

Our itinerary had us flying from Pittsburgh to Miami, then Miami to GUAYAQUIL. We flew American Airlines & had no problems. Miami Airport was big & a nice airport

. We had a long layover because our flight was delayed. We didn't get into GUAYAQUIL until about 11:30pm & we were pretty tired! There was a lady there holding a sign with our names that picked us up & took us to the hotel. I had to laugh because our hotel was called HOTEL COLON but hey, it was a DELUXE with a 5 STAR rating! As soon as we walked in a waiter came right to us with drinks & a washcloth for our hands. Talk about service! We were checked in within 5 minutes & went to our rooms. The room was beautiful with a nice view of the city. We also had 3 beds. I haven't traveled to as many places as others but this hotel was the NICEST one I have ever stayed at so far. It had been a long day & we went to bed with which Bernie kept repeating " It's so good to be horizontal!" lol